A Southport man described as a "walking miracle" has spoken out about his heart attack scare this year - and how he made a speedy recovery to return to playing competitive squash.
Having represented Lancashire in the sport as a junior, Andrew Holden snapped his Achilles tendon in the 90s, which motivated him to enter the world of teaching. He taught social sciences around colleges in East Lancashire before acquiring his doctorate to teach at Lancaster University.
Having retired two years ago, he picked up the squash racket again in July 2022. However, all was not well heading into that winter.
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Andrew said: "It got to early December, and I started feeling pains in my upper body, more my neck than my chest.”
Sometimes feeling discomfort during his squash playing, Andrew explained: “It couldn’t have been my diet, I eat well, I don’t smoke, and I only have the odd G&T."
He saw a GP on 10 January this year, which brought some shocking news: “I was sent straight to A&E, they told me not to drive as it was very urgent. I just couldn’t believe it.”
Andrew added: “I was kept in there for two days, I had ECGs, blood tests and an angiogram until they found the root of the problem. Due to an inherited condition, I had a narrow artery and had in fact suffered from a heart attack.”
After a stent was fitted to widen his artery through a simple, non-anaesthetised surgery technique, Andrew’s doctors and friends both described him as “a walking miracle.”
The Birkdale Squash Club member is back playing at the number one spot for his county - and says he feels “fitter than ever.”
Turning 59 this month, Holden stressed how important it is for people of all ages to keep fit and healthy to avoid scares like his in future.
He advised: “Eat properly, diet properly, and educate yourself. A lot of people say to avoid exercise, but my doctors have said it has been my saving grace, it could have been a whole lot worse if I didn’t have the cardiovascular health I had.
“Your heart is just like any other muscle; you have to work it to keep it strong.”
